District Court appointment announced

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath today announced the appointment of Tony Moynihan QC to the District Court of Queensland.

Mrs D’Ath said the Brisbane QC would replace Judge Hugh Botting, who will retire from the District Court tomorrow after 26 years on the bench.

The Attorney-General said Mr Moynihan, who most recently has served as the state’s Director of Public Prosecutions since June 2008, had extensive experience gained during a well-rounded career.

He was admitted to the Bar in 1991 and spent five years in private practice before working as a Crown Prosecutor.

In 1999, Mr Moynihan was appointed Deputy Public Defender with Legal Aid Queensland. In that role, Mr Moynihan specialised in appellate work before the Court of Appeal and High Court. He took silk in 2006.

 Judge Botting was elected as the first honorary life member of the Bar Association of Queensland in  1988. He was appointed to the District Court the following year.

“I want to thank Judge Botting for the fairness and expertise he has shown during a distinguished legal career over more than four decades,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“He has a well-earned reputation for decency and dedication.

“I also want to wish Mr Moynihan well for his new role on the District Court bench. He has a great mix of experience and I know he will make a significant contribution.”

A valedictory will be held in Brisbane tomorrow to recognise Judge Botting’s career.

The Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Michael Byrne QC, has been appointed as acting DPP.

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